Introduction to the film festival
The Provincetown International Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing new achievements in independent film and honoring the work of emerging as well as acclaimed directors, producers, and actors. Taking place in America's oldest art colony, PIFF continues a long tradition of supporting and connecting artists by providing easy networking opportunities and access to filmmakers and industry in one of the most culturally rich and naturally beautiful towns on earth.
Now in its 28th year, PIFF has established itself as the largest cultural event on lower Cape Cod, attracting thousands of filmgoers, tastemakers, and arts patrons. This festival showcases over 90 US and international independent narrative and documentary features, and short films as well as panel discussions and special events. PIFF welcomes audiences and supporters, new and seasoned, young and old, to a quality showcase of emerging films, enticing events, informative panels, special programs, and exuberant celebrations.
Awards
All accepted films are eligible for the Audience Awards presented to Best Narrative Feature and Best Documentary Feature.
The Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) is proud to announce that The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences® has named the Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) as a qualifying festival in three Short Film categories. Winners of the Best Narrative Short Film, Best Documentary Short Film, and Best Queer Short Film awards at PIFF may qualify to enter the Academy Awards® for the concurrent season, provided the films otherwise comply with the Academy rules. Please see the Academy's qualifying and eligibility rules: https://www.oscars.org/oscars/rules-eligibility
Juried Award categories include:
• John Schlesinger Awards (presented to a first-time narrative and documentary feature filmmaker)
• Best Narrative Short Film (Academy Award® Qualifying)
• Best Documentary Short Film (Academy Award® Qualifying)
• Best Queer Short Film (Academy Award® Qualifying)
• Best Animated Short Film
• Best New England Short Film
Honorable Mentions bestowed at the discretion of PIFF jury.
Honorary awards include the Filmmaker on the Edge Award given to a film artist whose outstanding achievement, innovation and vision continue to push the boundaries of the medium throughout their body of work.
Rules
• PIFF shows narrative, documentary, and short films in DCP and BluRay.
• Film must have been completed after January 1, 2025.
• Multiple titles may be submitted by an entrant. However, each title requires its own separate entry form and entry fee.
• All accepted films are eligible for the Audience Awards (presented to Best Narrative Feature and Best Documentary Feature). Other award categories include the John Schlesinger Award (presented to a first time narrative and documentary feature filmmaker), Jury Awards for Best Short Documentary Award, Best Queer Short Film, Best Narrative Short, Best Animated Short, and Best New England Short (as well as Honorable Mentions bestowed at the discretion of PIFF jury).
• Feature films may NOT have been released theatrically, publicly broadcast, or be available via streaming or online to the public prior to the festival.
• Films produced in other languages must include English subtitles.
| Jury Name | Judge photos | Jury Profile |
|---|
Authorization type
Duration (several sessions)
Film Festival Features
Dates & Deadlines
2025-09-24
Submission start time
2025-11-07
Earlybird Deadline
2025-12-10
Regular Deadline
2026-01-14
Late Deadline
2026-02-11
Extended Deadline
2026-02-11
Submission end time
2026-05-22
Finalist notification start time
2026-05-22
Finalist notification end time
2026-06-10
Award ceremony start time
2026-06-14
Award ceremony end time
Categories and fees
2025/11/07
Earlybird Deadline
Standard: 70 Dollar
2025/12/10
Regular Deadline
Standard: 80 Dollar
2026/01/14
Late Deadline
Standard: 100 Dollar
2026/02/11
Extended Deadline
Standard: 110 Dollar
2025/11/07
Earlybird Deadline
Standard: 70 Dollar
2025/12/10
Regular Deadline
Standard: 80 Dollar
2026/01/14
Late Deadline
Standard: 100 Dollar
2026/02/11
Extended Deadline
Standard: 110 Dollar
2025/11/07
Earlybird Deadline
Standard: 50 Dollar
2025/12/10
Regular Deadline
Standard: 60 Dollar
2026/01/14
Late Deadline
Standard: 80 Dollar
2026/02/11
Extended Deadline
Standard: 100 Dollar
2025/11/07
Earlybird Deadline
Standard: 50 Dollar
2025/12/10
Regular Deadline
Standard: 60 Dollar
2026/01/14
Late Deadline
Standard: 80 Dollar
2026/02/11
Extended Deadline
Standard: 100 Dollar
Related film festivalMore
View in the applet
Follow us
Follow the following platforms
Facebook
Twitter
WeChat
Official Weibo
Beijing Public Network Security No. 11011202000526
